None of that comes as much of a surprise to those who watched Mondeaux star at Jesuit over the last few years. Teaming up with classmate and now-Stanford linebacker Joey Alfieri, the duo steamrolled the Oregon Class 6A football scene last season en route to a title game appearance against Central Catholic. Mondeaux ended his senior season as one of the most decorated players in Oregon high school football. He was a first-team all-state tight end during a senior year that saw Mondeaux also line up at fullback, defensive end and linebacker. No matter where he played, power was his game. Alfieri was a bruising running back, rushing for 1,712 yards in eight games, but often times he dashed through holes created by a forceful Mondeaux impact.

When he committed to Oregon, many wondered where he would find a home on the Ducks roster. Would it be on the offensive side of the ball? Or would he find a fit on defense on the line or as a linebacker?

After a week a half of fall camp, it looks like he's finding a niche on the line.

According to Oregon's practice reports, Mondeaux saw time with the starters on the defensive line on Thursday and has been a regular standout all week. Defensive line coach Ron Aiken said he was actually relatively surprised to see the amount of energy Mondeaux plays with.

"We didn't realize how fast and hard he plays. He really plays hard every single down. He really does," Aiken said. "I love him. I like the young man. He's got a motor. Every single down he's running chasing the ball."

Oregon offensive lineman Jake Fisher, a senior, said he's been impressed by the way Mondeaux has approached his freshman year, on and off the field. "If he doesn't get any playing time this year, which I think he should, he definitely will next year and he'll be a very good player here," Fisher said. "He's very humble. Very funny. Good guy to talk to, sit down with and have breakfast, lunch and dinner.

"Very respectful, that's all we ask for."

Aiken reiterated Fisher's personality assessment of Mondeaux, but with one caveat.